From New York City sidewalks to Yosemite trails to the Mediterranean calanques, the best boots made for walking everywhere are always the most comfortable, and we have a checklist to help you select the best boots for you:
- Fit: The boot should feel snug, but not tight. Look for a wide toe box that’s not so loose as to rub or cause blisters.
- Cushioning: The midsole and insole should be cushioned to absorb shock and ensure comfort.
- Traction: The boot should have good traction to prevent slipping on wet or icy surfaces.
- Support: Look for good arch support and ankle support in the boot to keep you steady and secure on your feet.
- Materials: Boot construction may include breathable mesh to keep your feet cool and dry in summer or water-resistant leather to protect you from rain and snow.
- Break-In time: Take a week to properly break in the boots you take home.
With the Basics Addressed, now Consider the Personal:
- The terrain: If you'll be walking on uneven or rough terrain, your boots will need more cushioning and support than if you’re on pavement or smooth surfaces.
- Activity level: If you're an avid hiker or backpacker, your boots should be more durable and supportive than those you wear when walking around town.
- Personal preferences: Some people prefer boots with a lot of cushioning, and others will choose a more minimalist construction. The most comfortable boot is the one that feels best on your feet.
- Bring your orthotics when trying on boots or shoes. Pay attention to your bunions, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or extra-wide feet. You might want to consult a podiatrist before you begin your search.
Types of walking shoes and boots to wear all day
Good boots or a pair of walking shoes are designed for all-day wear, made to distribute your bodyweight evenly across your feet and legs. Pull-on or lace-up, your own needs and preferences will determine the best walking shoes or boots for you.
- Cushioned: Comfortable shoes or boots with a thick midsole cushion make them ideal for people with foot pain or those who usually walk on pavement or other hard surfaces.
- Stability: responsive shoes are designed to help control overpronation, when the foot rolls inward while walking. Walking shoes and boots designed for stability typically have a built-in medial post to help keep the foot from rolling inward.
- Trail walkers: are made for trekking on uneven surfaces, such as trails, gravel, and dirt. Trail walking boots or shoes typically have a substantial outsole with deep lugs to provide good traction.
- Minimalist shoes: have a sole thin enough to provide a barefoot-like feel. Minimalist walking shoes are often chosen by people who want to improve their proprioception (awareness of the body's position in space) and foot strength.
Consider all the best boots and walking shoes
There are shoe brands available that offer a range of styles and sizes, including half sizes and roomy widths that will help you find your best shoe and best fit. Some good quality and comfy long-walk shoes include running shoes from various brands, lightweight Gel sneakers, also those with mesh upper and rubber outsoles that claim to make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
You’ll get more cushioning in the heel and forefoot with running shoes, but be sure to compare this with the responsiveness of walking shoes, which have more flex. Given the variety and versatility of high-quality walking and running shoes available, you might want to consult a running shoe or hiking shoe specialist to help narrow your focus.
Blundstone Boots for Walking
Read on to find out about the most comfortable walking shoes and Chelsea boots you can buy from Blundstone right now. To have a look at some of our top picks, start here:
#585 Men’s and Women’s Classic: Admired for a reason, here’s a boot that delivers durability, superior comfort and outstanding shock absorption. Crafted of water-resistant leather and leather-lined, this Chelsea boot has brown elastic side inserts, a durable TPU outsole and cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system, and a removable footbed.
#2058 Men’s and Women’s All-Terrain: This 5-star Classic Chelsea boot is made for both urban and trail trekking. Crafted of water-resistant black leather, the #2058 has a grippy, self-cleaning Vibram® outsole, removable footbed, XRD® Technology in the heel for excellent shock absorption, and it’s acid, oil and heat resistant to 572°F.
#2130 Men’s Classic: Here’s a lightweight Chelsea boot that moves easily from urban landscape to trail trekking. Made of water-resistant leather with black elastic sides, it’s leather lined with TPU outsole, cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system, removable footbed with XRD® Technology for shock absorption, and an extra set of footbeds
#2250 Men’s and Women’s All-Terrain Thermal: This Chelsea boot in antique brown is designed for city walking and trail hiking in the harshest winters. It features waterproof* leather, Vibram® outsole, Thinsulate® and leather lining, sheepskin EVA footbed with XRD® Technology for warmth and comfort, polyurethane midsole and a steel shank.
View our range of Blundstone Boots for men and women via the links below.
* Leathers referred to as waterproof are routinely tested for resistance to water penetration up to 12,000 / 15,000 flexes using one of the following SATRA test methods: TM171 using SATRA STM703 Bally penetrometer (or equivalent) or TM34 using SATRA STM606D Maeser type WR tester (or equivalent).